How to Clean a Cutting Board: 7 Effective Treatments

Vinegar will disinfect.

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Using water and dishwashing detergent can weaken surface wood fibers on cutting boards and butcher block countertops. To disinfect and clean your wooden surfaces, wipe them instead with full-strength white vinegar after each use.
The acetic acid in the vinegar is a good disinfectant, effective against
such harmful bugs as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. When your wooden cutting surface needs deodorizing
as well as disinfecting, spread some baking soda over it and then spray
on undiluted white vinegar. Let it foam and bubble for five to ten
minutes, then rinse with a cloth dipped in clean cold water. See more uses for vinegar.

Hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria.

iStock/Thinkstock

Hydrogen peroxide is a surefire bacteria-killer—just the ally you
need to fight the proliferation of bacteria on your cutting board,
especially after you cut chicken or other meat. To kill the germs on
your cutting board, use a paper towel to wipe the board down with
vinegar, then use another paper towel to wipe it with hydrogen peroxide.
Ordinary 3% peroxide is fine. See more uses for hydrogen peroxide.

Lemons will remove odor.

Hemera/Thinkstock

If your cutting board smells after you chop onions, crush garlic, cut raw and cooked meat and chicken, or prepare fish, get rid of the odor and help sanitize the cutting
board by rubbing it all over with the cut side of half a lemon. You can also wash your cutting board in
undiluted lemon juice from a bottle. See more uses for lemons.

Content continues below ad

Baking soda will deep clean.

iStock/Thinkstock

Keep your wooden or plastic cutting board cleaner by occasionally
scrubbing it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt,
and water. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. See more uses for baking soda.

Salt will brighten.

iStock/Thinkstock

If you clean cutting boards and breadboards with soap and water,
rub them afterwards with a damp cloth dipped in salt. The boards will be lighter
and brighter in color. You can also create a paste of salt and lemon juice, and use it to deep clean your cutting board as needed. See more uses for salt.

Bleach will purify.

iStock/Thinkstock

For a butcher block cutting board or countertop, you never want to use furniture polish or any other household
cleaner. Instead,
clean the surface with a brush dipped in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach
diluted in 2 quarts (2 liters) water. Scrub in small circles, and be
careful not to saturate the wood. Wipe with a slightly damp paper towel,
then immediately buff dry with a clean cloth. See more uses for bleach.